Biedermeier. Art and Culture in the Bohemian Lands 1814–1848

Czech and Moravian art of the first half of the nineteenth century reflects a distinctive artistic as well as ideological trend – Biedermeier. Although the Czech Biedermeier has been successfully presented abroad, no such show has yet taken place on home ground. The exhibition is a great opportunity to demonstrate the real character of Biedermeier as both the lifestyle as well as artistic style that was created by aristocracy and wealthy bourgeoisie, and that gradually affected all strata of society. In the spirit of emerging civil society it was professing the ideals of practicality and simplicity, discovering the charm of everyday objects and pleasures as well as the beauty of nature and natural materials. Characteristic features of Biedermeier – the restrained elegance and straightforwardness – echoed the general modernisation of society and had come to embody the foreshadowing of modern design.

Beside the works representing, for example, the art of Antonín Machek, Antonín Mánes or Josef Navrátil, a significant part of the exhibition has been devoted to applied arts. Excellent exhibits from both domestic as well as foreign collections will represent the world famous Czech glass and porcelain of the period, fashion and jewellery and, of course, the art of furniture making that had become synonymous with Biedermeier and its uncomplicated elegance.